Taylor and Aaron walking together hand and hand in front of their new home.
Sessions

Kettle Pond Conservation Park Couples Session

Taylor and Aaron are one of the sweetest couples I know. They are kind, caring and respectful of one another and they compliment each other very well. I first met Taylor through one of my best high school friends a few years ago and then Aaron later. One of my fondest memories was a party that Aaron threw for Taylor for her 23rd birthday, which I was lucky enough to be invited to. It was in a private upstairs space above a bar reserved for the party only with our own bartender! I remember being at that party thinking – wow, Aaron is definitely a keeper and how do I get my man to throw me a party like that!

Fun fact: Taylor and Aaron were my first clients. Two years ago they booked me for their ENGAGEMENT SESSION!!! Needless to say I was a little nervous. When Taylor reached out to me asking I specifically remember telling them that they were not allowed to pay me until they saw the photos and if they decided to redo the session with another photographer I would not be offended because I was so new. Being the kind, understanding people that they are they both reassured me that they would love to have me do their photos. Heck at the session I was visibly nervous and Aaron calmly reassured me that this was going to be great without ever seeing any of my past work (because there was none), I mean, how amazing is that!!!?? The session was spectacular. We spent the afternoon together at a lush apple orchard complete with grape vines, 80+ degree temps and all the mosquitos. Taylor and Aaron posed in various locations around the venue I took hundreds of photos. We almost traversed into a very swampy area to shoot by some willow trees but decided that it wasn’t worth it with nice clothing on. We laughed so much and I smiled so much seeing them together that my cheeks were sore after. I learned so much at that session and honestly, if Taylor and Aaron weren’t so nice and accommodating who knows if I would be where I am today. I am so grateful that they took a chance on me then.

Now let’s get to the good stuff. Fast forward to this past weekend.

Taylor and Aaron recently purchased and moved into their first house together!! They have been married for about a year and wanted to get some photos done to celebrate their new home and upcoming anniversary.

I met them at their home to take some photos there and at a park near to their home. And, you guys, their home is so cute! The landscaping is gorgeous, they have a large flowering tree out front and so many lovely plants! They also have the cutest front porch where they have a small modern gas fire pit table – which they roast marshmallows on together. Melt my heart! How sweet is that?!

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Since moving into their new home in February they have been working on some indoor home projects, planting, landscaping, grass growing and rehoming a litter of baby raccoons after their mother did not return. We both agreed that with new homes the list is never-ending but the journey is so rewarding.

Shortly after they moved in the COVID 19 pandemic swept the globe and their home became both of their offices as well. During the days together they would go on walks around their neighborhood and through the conservancy that their home backs up to. It is truly an oasis back there! The conservancy served as the backdrop for many of our photos and you would never know that we are in the city only a few hundred yards from their house. It is absolutely the most beautiful get away to go and clear your mind and relax.

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During our jaunt through the park, Taylor and Aaron shared with me that they have taken up bird watching and consider themselves amateur birders. During our session Aaron casually identified a cat bird by its call which to me is hardly amateur and frankly impressive. We also saw so many gorgeous wildflowers in bloom and some giant hogweed. Walking by it I felt as though I was in Alice and Wonderland during the time she has shrunk and is meeting with the flowers. There also were so many little nooks and hideaways that were perfect for photos!

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Taylor and Aaron, once again, thank you so much for choosing me to capture these beautiful images for you! I cannot wait to get together this summer (at a safe social distance of course).

Best,
Jen

Stay tuned for more!

J.Kellerhuis Photography

Black Lives Matter

Hey Y’all, 

It’s been on my heart to write something regarding Black Lives Matter and all that has been going on in America recently. I spent much of last week taking a social media posting break. I have been reading the many great resources educating us on these issues and trying to understand something I can never fully understand as a white female. 

As a small business owner, my goal is to love and serve all my clients as best as I am able. That statement is inclusive of EVERYONE! I understand the power of speech and the necessity to avoid silence on the issue of racism, police brutality and oppression. Through I am worried I may say the wrong thing I believe that that fear cannot keep me from speaking out against these issues or I am condoning the behavior. By speaking out, even if I say the wrong thing, I know that opens up a dialogue and allows others to educate me so that I can be better and do better. I accept that I will never completely understand but I want to make it clear that I will stand and fight with you. 

Black Lives Matter. I don’t know about you but I hold America to very high standards and it tears me up that the basic HUMAN RIGHT of equality is not a reality in the year 2020. I cannot accept that as a nation we have made so many advancements yet this widespread inequity remains. It is not acceptable. 

Recently I had a conversation with my dad and extremely wise younger brother. My dad is a great man that grew up in a different time. He feels that racism is wrong but feels powerless compared to the problem. My brother and I feel differently. It is our absolute duty to change this. My dad is right that no one human can change this but together we can!

We need to continue to expose these issues, talk about them, voice our opinions, offer support, lead by example, learn and educate to affect change. One common goal that I believe is shared by generations past and present is the desire to BE BETTER and to do that we need to continue! 

“What Matters is a salve and a safe place where we can connect, learn, think freely, and transform the world.” Take the time right now to explore https://blacklivesmatter.com/what-matters-2020/. This is an excellent resource filled with bountiful information and ways we can all help and do better. 

I would like to provide photography services in a way to positively affect change. If there is anything I can do please let me know, whether that is donating my time or services for the cause please reach out to me. If you know anyone in need of photography services that support this movement please direct them my way. 

Black Lives Matter. 

Sincerely, 

Jen DuBois 

Owner & Photographer 

J.Kellerhuis Photography